Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.)
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The RCIA is a communal process and involves a number of stages punctuated by liturgical rites to aid and assist the potential convert toward the final rite, usually at the Easter Vigil at which time they will become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The entire process takes several months, (ideally a minimum of one complete liturgical year), but participants are generally invited to proceed at a pace which suits them individually. During the Second Vatican Council there was a call for the reinstatement of the Catechumenate. A catechumen is a person who has never received baptism. A candidate is a person who was already baptized. The Catholic Church acknowledges other Christian baptisms as long as the Trinitarian formula "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" was used.
Stages of RCIA
The RCIA is divided into four distinct periods. As people move from one stage to the next,
they celebrate certain rites with the Catholic community.
⇒ Precatechumenate
This is a period of informal inquiry into Christianity as practiced in the Catholic Church. During weekly session, conversation centers on a variety of topics of concern to the inquirers. Each participant decides if and when to continue to the next stage of the process. Should an inquirer decide to proceed, he or she participates in the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome, celebrated during the Sunday liturgy.
⇒ Catechumenate
During this period, the Catechumens and Candidates are invited to move more deeply into communion with God and the parish community. They continue to attend regular meetings during which the Sunday readings are explored and various Catholic Christian teachings are discussed. Also, the participants sit together at Mass on Sunday and are dismissed before the Liturgy of the Eucharist to "break open" the Word of God and reflect more deeply on the scriptures. Participants are accompanied by companions (Godparents for the unbaptized; Sponsors for the baptized) who walk with them on their journey toward full communion with the Catholic Church. Those who decide to become Catholic move to the next stage by celebrating the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent.
⇒ Purification and Enlightenment
This period coincides with the six week Lenten preparation for Easter. It is a time for more intense deepening of one's relationship with Jesus and his church, opening to God's grace, acknowledging weaknesses and celebrating God's healing presence. This period culminates at the Easter Vigil, when Catechumens celebrate the sacraments of initiation with the parish community and, along with the candidates, enter into full communion with the Church.
⇒ Mystagogy
The new Catholics meet a few more times to reflect on and explore their baptismal commitment to building God's reign on earth. As the RCIA journey ends, the entire parish welcomes the new members and invites them to become involved in the vibrant life of the Saint Jude parish family.